The Electronic Language Portfolio as a tool for Lifelong Learning

Abstract

This article intends to make evident that the electronic language portfolio can be an excellent tool for lifelong learning. The language portfolio is well recognized internationally, both by all the members of the European Council, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, the United States as well as in Canada, and has been the impetus behind various projects. An electronic portfolio is a digital version of a paper portfolio promoted by the European Council and serves present and former students of a foreign language as a means to present information related to their linguistic skills. It consists of three parts: a language passport, a language biography, and a dossier. The electronic version of language portfolio offers great advantages in comparison with the paper portfolio. It is easy to update, print and transport. Students can have access to their portfolio and see their progress via Internet. It allows to conduct an ongoing evaluation of the learning process, promotes a quick feedback and motivation. It is easier to fill out and modify than a paper portfolio. It shows progress on short and long term objectives and makes success evident. It offers a low-cost and cutting-edge tool to evaluate and keep track of students’ learning process. It can be used as a digital multimedia curriculum vitae or resume since it contains information on linguistic and cultural experiences, skill levels and authentic samples of students’ linguistic knowledge. This paper will demonstrate that the electronic language portfolio can be considered a very useful and efficient tool that promotes lifelong learning and mobility.